Gallery: Wearable Tech at CES 2014

A Roadmap for Wearable Tech

Freescale's WaRP reference module (center) can be combined to with a sensor board (left) and display (right) for rapid prototyping. Revolution Robotics developed the module and it runs Android software developed by Kynetics.The families of MCUs and MPUs range from small ultra-low-power Kinetis MCUs to i.MX applications processors with hardware acceleration to enable designers with higher level operating systems.

It Takes A WaRPed Mind...

Freescale's WaRP reference module can be used inside devices like the smartwatch prototype. The module is based on an i.MX 6 SoloLite SoC. Read more about it with Tech Editor Bill Wong’s “It Takes A WaRPed Mind To Design Wearable Tech.”

QuardioArm Blood Pressure Monitor

Quardio has a blood pressure monitor called the QuardioArm that can be synched with a smartphone for continuous, real time reporting. The app then transmits all data to a secure storage cloud that healthcare providers can access at any time. The low-profile design enables convenient monitoring and the accessible data allows for doctors to remotely monitor their patients.

ECG Monitoring with QuardioCore

The QuardioCore provides ECG monitoring. The sensor can be easily worn without special preparation. Heart rate, heart rate variability, variations in body temperature, and more can also be tracked—and the device is small enough to be invisible under the wearer’s t-shirt.

Head Straight!

Lumo Lift is a simple sensor designed to improve shoulders and back posture. The sensor can vibrate to indicate improper posture and it can be held in place by a magnetic clasp. Lift’s small size enables it to be worn as piece of jewelry or hidden under clothes and can also measure how many steps are taken in a day and how many calories are burned.

Shoulders Back!

Lumo Back is a belt that can sense posture as well including when you site, sleep or even do yoga. The device is aimed at those working in the same position for hours on end, such as sitting at a desk, to promote good posture and ultimately spine health.

¡vívofit!

Garmin's vívofit targets the fitness minded individual. It monitors the body's movements, heart rate and rest and it is water resistant up to 50 m. The curved display (25.5 mm x 10 m) shows steps, goal countdowns, calories, distance, and time of day and the band uses replaceable batteries (CR1632 coin cells) that last over one year. It also wirelessly synchs via Bluetooth Smart to the Garmin Connect app.

A Smarter Smartwatch

The Basis smartwatch tracks body movement as well as heart rate and perspiration. It can keep track of the number of steps you take as well as your sleep habits include REM sleep, deep sleep and whether you toss and turn. It then suggests small steps to alter your daily routine to help create healthier habits. The Basis B1 rechargeable lithium polymer battery offers up to four days of use before recharging.

More Sensors = More Data

The back of the Basis smartwatch reveals the sensors used to detect heart rate. There are also specific sensors to monitor perspiration and skin temperature, as well as a 3-axis accelerometer to track movement. Data is synched wirelessly to the connected mobile app (Android or iOS) via a Bluetooth 2.1 chip.

Everyone was wearing devices at the Consumer Electronics Show or so it seemed. Devices are available to track everything from heart rate and blood pressure to an ECG. Most devices are tied into a smartphone via Bluetooth or WiFi and then linked to the cloud and smartphone apps. Freescale even has a reference design to get you started.

Guest Blogs

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